Hobart

I test drove both within days of each other, and both were base models without Sports Chrono. The 997.2 felt like it had less feedback on steering. The sales guy said it was because the 997.2 had only 18" wheels and the 997.1 I drove had 19" wheels. However, I see in the comparison of 997.1 and 997.2 Porsche did change the steering of the 997.2.

I want to know if I get a 997.2 Base model with Sports Chrono package will it be as fun or better in terms of feedback and handling as the 997.1 steering and drive feel? I know the SPORT mode button adjusts the throttle and the shocks, but what about the steering, will it feel different too? What about what the sales guy said in terms of 18" and 19" wheels, would it have been that noticeable and less fun drive with 18" wheels? I feel that wasn't the difference. Anyone drove both a base Carrera MY08 and a base Carrera MY09 back to back and feel what I felt? Would that be fixed with a Sports Chrono package added to the base 997.2 model?

Edgy01

I can tell you that I have driven my 06 Cab extensively with both 19s and 18s and sense very slight differences between the handling. Are both the cars regular iron brake cars, and with the the same wheels/tires?

You have a lot of variables being introduced possibly which can quickly invalidate a formal comparison.

rijowysock

i had 997.1 on 19's... standard suspension and had my coilovers installed
i have 997.2 on 19's... had standard suspension on it and then swapped to same coilovers that were on 997.1

997.2 is less twitchy to me during tight corners.. 997.1 would understeer and step out more.

997.1 was "flighty" under accel.. the front end just felt very very light under accel, 997.2 doesnt/isnt.

i would say u feel the road more on 997.1 but maybe its just in my head, the 997.2 just feels smoother all around but still has feedback.. i prefer the feel and handling of 997.2 over the 997.1 for sure tho..

the PSM feels a lil diff kicking in on 997.2 as well... (maybe they made small updates?)

(differences:

997.1 , manual, cab, S brakes (non S car)
997.2, PDK, coupe, standard brakes, (non S car)

Hobart

They wouldn't let me test drive in the twisty's so each time I was on a highway, albeit a crooked twisty one, but not like the canyon roads nearby.

What about the SPORTS CHRONO pack and the SPORT button? Would that help?

docjohnM

Alignment can influence steering feel. (-toe, creates a built-in scrub on the front end, lending stability, detriment to feel) It is possible that the alignments are diff. even though porsche specs them the same. My wife's car was spooky with factory alignment. When we had a proper alignment to manufacturer specs, it was noticeably better.
Secondly, the steering bushings could be effecting feel. My 997.2 was very stiff when I first got it, with very little feel. After a few thousand miles, it has improved considerably.
I have read others with the same concerns as yours. I felt the same way when comparing a friends 2002 boxster S with a 2008 model. First thing I noticed was a loss of steering feel....Go Figure!!?!?!

stevepow

Sports Chrono option doesn't change suspension or steering, only throttle response and, if PDK, the shift programs. It adds the Chrono Clock "dash wart" and some additional, and seemingly unrelated, personalized programming options based on the ignition key (door lock mode, AC, etc). However, on a PDK car, it would really be a bummer not to have SC - on a MT, less of a big deal - maybe nicer to clean up the dash.

I have a hard time believing that 18s or 19s would have much noticeable effect in typical "test drive" conditions. In fact, my car came with 19s originally and I had them swapped to 18s and I honestly couldn't tell any difference in the ride or steering. I'd bet changing tire brands would make a more noticeable difference - although, again, the Bridgestone 19s to the PS2 18s, I thought I'd prefer the PS2s, but on my several test drives, I really couldn't tell one way or the other.

Hobart

So what exactly did they do to the steering between the 997.1 and the 997.2? If you read the 997.1 v. 997.2 thread, you can see some mention this too and also state there is a technical difference between the two. By the way, both cars that I test drove were NEW, so break-in was not a factor, well OK, the 997.1 had 400 miles.

triode

I have not driven either 997 series, but have read mentions (including a parenthetical one in a 997.2 GT3 review) that the .2 series cars have somewhat numb steering feel compared to 997.1 series cars and 996 series cars; the tester went on to say that thankfully, such is not the case with the .2 series GT3!

stevepow

I saw this from another one of your posts - I think it gives some context to the comparison.

I hope they are giving an amazing deal on these cars - TIP being kind of dead and PDK without SC being a shame. My sales gut really steered me clear of non-SC cars and, at the time, I didn't get it - but now I do. Glad he was looking out for me.

Hobart

So do you guys think I will not be disappointed with a 997.2 base with PDK and SC? If I have qualms now from a comparison, you think it will disappear with a weeks driving or the first twisty canyon road I get drive on? Because of the impending 998, I didn't want too much money into a new one. This refresh into a 997.2 is brilliant and worked on me and now that I am getting a deal on the MY09's I am happy to take one. Just hope I am not disappointed. Maybe I need another test drive. ****, its not like buying a new $3,0000 TV from Best Buy, I can't just return it within a week or so for an exchange or refund, so I am a little concerned.

stevepow

You also are getting '08 "S" power in the '09 base from the new DFI engine upgrades.

The '09s, if you find one you can love, are the amazing deals. Especially if you are not planning to keep the car a while, I don't think an '08 Tip is going to do nearly as well for resale as an '09 DFI/PDK - it's just a lot more car. But maybe the '08 deal is worth it? Was the car "punched" - how much warranty left - all sorts of things to consider...

That said, if the steering feel really bugs you - that's a lot of $$$ for something you might not get over - big risk. If more test drives don't make you comfortable...

ADias

There was no steering rack changes from the 997.1 to the 997.2. There were front suspension changes and that may provide a slightly different steering feel as it has improved front grip and handling.

hlee1169

Compared to my 2007 Carrera S, my 2009 S's steering has less steering feedback, and both have 19" rims. The 997.1 steering has such sweet delicate feedback; however, I feel that that PASM is so much improved in 997.2 that I would not go back to 997.1.

JSeven

I can´t compared with 997.1, but comparing with my previous 996,my 997.2 has better steering feel, I love the steering feedback this car offer, you know exatcly was is going on under the front wheels.

mdrums

I have owned a 06 Carrera S a 07 Carrera S and now a 09 Carrera S. All 3 cars have been used on the street and the track with both the stock 19" tires and a set of 18" tires (r-comps) for the track. All 3 with the same alignment specs....my 09 Carrera S now has GT3 Cup lower control arms for more camber but same toe specs. This did not effect the overall feel of the streering though....just more traction in the corners and much better tire wear.

I can tell you the 09 Carrera S steering feels different than the other cars. The 06 and 07 Carrera S steerng felt more twichy or you could feel the road more. The 09 Carrera S steerng is still very good but slightly more damped and smoother feeling.